Last year Belkin completely dominated the Tour of Hainan but in 2014 they have had a harder time. Today the team came away empty-handed for the third day in a row.

Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM’s Sports Director Michiel Elijzen arrived somewhat perplexed at the finish line of the Tour of Hainan on Thursday. For the third day in a row, and after the previous ten back-to-back victories on the Chinese island, his team had not been able to challenge for the stage win. 

Frenchman Julien Antomarchi triumphed in Thursday’s fourth stage. The Team La Pomme Marseille 13 rider arrived at the line solo after 145.8 kilometres between Wenchang and Xinglong. 

“Yeah, again we didn’t win,” Elijzen said. “That sucks. Things aren’t really going our way.” 

Elijzen explained how the stage unfolded. “After 40 kilometres, three men managed to break free. During the final 50 kilometres, there was a lot of rain -- warm rain, mind you. 

“Antomarchi was able to stay away and on the line, he was only leading by a handful of seconds. We just weren’t organised enough. Barry Markus ended up sixth in the sprint.” 

Elijzen and his team remains hopeful and promised to “keep looking for a few wins.” 

The team will get its first chance on Friday when the race covers 193 kilometres between Wanning and Sanya.